8 Questions to Ask When Buying a Pipette

1. What key ergonomic features does the pipette have? How do the ergonomic features compare to other providers’ pipettes?
2. What are the accuracy and precision specifications of the pipette and how were they determined?
3. What types of services are offered for this product? Preventive maintenance? Calibration? Repair?
4. Where was the pipette manufactured?
5. Does the company offer programs to help improve the user’s pipetting technique?
6. Does the company offer pipettes that can be used for volatile and viscous solutions as well as aqueous solutions?
7. Does this pipette come in a range of volumes and, if so, what are the volumes?
8. What types of pipettes does the company offer? Multi-channel, electronic, 96-well plate, or automated?

Safety Tip

Long pipetting sessions hold the potential for workers to develop ergonomic injuries. Traditionally, operators combat repetitive strain by sitting properly, taking regular breaks, and following training. But pipette design is now playing a role in reducing strain as well. Examples of design changes include ultralight pipettes, positioning plungers in more user-friendly configurations, using electronic pipetting, and reducing frictional forces that translate to strain. When pipetting, the wrist should be relaxed—not extended, flexed, or rotated. The shape of the pipette hilt might affect the posture of the wrist. Proper working height is also important during pipetting.

Helpful Links

For all you need to know about pipettes, see: www.labmanager.com/pipettes 

Infographic

Find out how the laboratory pipette has developed and improved over the past 200+ years in our free infographic: www.labmanager.com/pipette-evolution 

Videos

Learn what features and options to consider when purchasing a new pipette in our recent video:

www.labmanager.com/pipette-video